As part of the Study Tour program, students from the University of San Carlos (USC) had the valuable opportunity to attend an in-depth session delivered by a leading tech expert, Mr Lương Hữu Tuấn – currently serving as the Head of APAC Engineering and Architect at the Australia Government Cloud.
With a remarkable background including roles at Ericsson, Nokia, Red Hat, FPT, and CMC Global, the speaker brought a powerful blend of global vision and regional insights, emphasizing the strategic role of technology in national development.
The Philippines & Vietnam: Two Stories, One Tech Vision
By drawing a comparison between the Philippines and Vietnam tech landscapes, the session opened up many strategic perspectives:
In Vietnam:
- Tech Skills: A strong shift from proprietary tech stacks to open-source platforms.
- Work Culture: A dynamic, adaptable, and professional new-generation workforce.
- Tech Community: A thriving open-source tech community with both domestic and international support.
Growth Driver: Technology is viewed as the key engine for national development, with strong focus on Open Source, R&D, and product development mindsets.
In the Philippines:
- Career Opportunities: Predominantly in BPO and outsourcing, with limited roles in R&D or solution design.
- Tech Skills: Demand for cutting-edge tech exists but remains limited to specific sectors; ecosystem largely tied to vendor technology stacks.
- Work Culture: “Crab mentality” and emotional management challenges remain, though professionalism and dedication are evident.
Tech Community: Lack of independent open-source communities; existing initiatives are mostly vendor-led.
The Breakthrough Direction: Technology As A National Engine
A key message throughout the session was a call for emerging nations to treat technology as a central driver of progress:
- Encourage product-thinking and innovation.
- Commit to long-term investments in R&D.
- Nurture strong open tech communities to build sustainable internal capabilities.
Real-World Learning, Global Tech Mindsets
This study tour offered USC students more than just academic exposure — it was a meaningful gateway into real-world challenges, global perspectives, and direct mentorship from top-tier professionals in the tech industry. More than a tour, it was a step toward envisioning their future careers in a fast-evolving digital world.
